Celtic land big boost on ‘powerful’ £2.5m star, Postecoglou will be thrilled

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Ange Postecoglou has landed a big injury boost ahead of visiting Livingston on Sunday with Celtic striker Giorgos Giakoumakis returning to full training, via quotes by the Daily Record.

The Greece forward sat out the Bhoys’ 2-0 win over St Mirren in midweek with Postecoglou reluctant to risk him. Giakoumakis was touch-and-go to return for the Parkhead clash after missing last week’s goalless draw away to Hibernian through illness.

Postecoglou considered recalling Giakoumakis, but felt Celtic had enough options available to cope without the 27-year-old for a successive game. Daizen Maeda opened both fixtures instead, but was unable to build on his two Premiership goals so far.

Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor instead struck home to beat St Mirren and keep Celtic atop the table. But Postecoglou will hope Giakoumakis is back and firing on all cylinders when the Bhoys visit Livingston at the weekend.

Postecoglou lands Giakoumakis boost as Celtic striker ‘fine’ to face Livingston

Postecoglou has confirmed Giakoumakis has returned to full training ahead of Celtic visiting Livingston, in a big injury boost. The Hoops will now have a near fully-fit side at Almondvale Stadium after developing no further issues against St Mirren.

“[Giakoumakis] is fine,” Postecoglou stated. “I made a decision on Wednesday that it was best not to push him, we had some options. He trained on Thursday with the guys who weren’t playing, and then trained fully today.

“No-one came out with anything from the game. So, it’s the same sort of squad [available], plus Giorgos.”

Giakoumakis’ availability at Livingston will thrill Postecoglou, having struck a hat-trick in his last Premiership game as Celtic beat Dundee 3-2. The £2.5m arrival – who Joe Miller praises for his ‘powerful’ presence – now has five league goals this season.

Postecoglou may need Giakoumakis’ goals for Celtic to beat Livingston on Sunday. They lost 1-0 at Livi in September and also drew 0-0 at home in October. The Hoops have not won at Livingston since 2006, with two defeats across five subsequent trips.